Description:
The trend continues to serve food an anything but a plate even boards and slates are old hat! Make a presentation statement with these fully cleaned, UK Sourced, whole white scallop shells. Not only have these shells been used as serving dishes, our customers have utilised them for crafts and interior/exterior decoration.

The shells have been prepared to food standards, however, just like buying any food plate wash thoroughly before use. (They will happily survive a cycle in the dish washer !)

These dish or cup shaped shells have a level capacity of approximately 50ml, for smaller (10ml bite size) serving dishes see our "Candy Fans" reference 8721.

Background: Scallops are marine bi-valves found in all the world oceans. In total there are some 350 species many of them being highly prized as a food source.
Scallops are active swimmers and migrate the oceans.

Scallop Shells in History: The scallop shell is the traditional emblem of Saint James. Medieval Christians making the pilgrimage to the apostle's shrine at Santiago de Compostela in Spain carried a scallop shell and would present themselves at churches, castles, abbeys etc. where they could expect to be given as much sustenance as could be picked up with one scoop.

Use of Marine Arts Shells for Food Presentation.

Marine Arts Shells offered as serving dishes are naturally made from the mineral Calcium Carbonate. We are not aware of any other compounds or minerals within the seashells that would preclude their use as food presentation dishes.

Seashells have a complex layered construction, making them extremely strong, and light. In many cases seashells are stronger than ceramic plates, but be aware that chipping can occur with thinner shells, especially blue mussels and river clams.

Whilst seashells are dishwasher safe we would suggest that hand washing may be more practical. Marine Arts shells have been thoroughly cleaned, however, post cleaning the shells are stored under warehouse conditions and appropriate measures should be taken commensurate with established food hygiene practice before using seashells for food presentation.

The very nature of the seashell necessitates it as being non-porous. However, deterioration of the surface can cause pitting which could harbor bacteria if the shells are not properly cleaned when multi-used.

Shells like these scallops are known as bi-valves. These make for the best presentation due to their bowl-like shape and the ability to clean them thoroughly on all surfaces.

Seashells can be used for cooking and presentation of hot food. Do not put seashells in the microwave.

Seashells can also handle the cold. When used as display pieces in the chill cabinet repeated cycles of washing may dull the seashells’ colour. This can be restored with a very light coating of cooking oil.